3D Printing: The Next Industrial Revolution?

The “next industrial revolution” is rapidly heading our way. Digital technologies are transforming the way new products are designed, manufactured, marketed and distributed. A radical shift in manufacturing is taking place, one that takes control away from the traditional manufacturers and places it into the hands of the creators themselves.

Image courtesy MikeBlogs, Flickr

The rapidly evolving fields of personal fabrication, digital manufacturing and 3D printing are beginning to do to manufacturing what the internet has done to information-based goods and services – and will ultimately have the power to transform creative culture. A 3D printer is essentially a machine that can turn a 3D digital design into a physical object. It is a fairly simple process – and yet one which has the potential to transform the way things are made. This technology, together with other digital fabrication techniques, is increasing being referred to as “the next industrial revolution” (Wired Magazine) – and yet most people have never heard of 3D printing.

DFEEST, Intel US, RiAus and Australian Network for Art and Technology (ANAT) are proud to present a forum and technical workshop about 3D printing. Speakers will examine the impact these rapidly developing and increasingly affordable technologies will have on many areas, including creativity, education, industry and manufacturing.

Morning Forum (9am until 1pm)
Speakers from industry, education, research and the creative communities will present on a broad range of topics, from how they are using 3D printers in their work, through to the impact that these technologies are beginning to have on diverse fields including clothes and footwear design, architecture, engineering and construction, automotive, aerospace, and the medical industries.

During the break, participants will get a chance to see 3D printers in action. The morning will finish with a panel session in which members of the audience will have the chance to put their questions about 3D printing to a panel of experts.

Afternoon Technical Workshop (2pm to 4pm)
A limited number of participants will learn about the technologies involved in more detail, from the basics of 3D design through to the science behind 3D printing. Participants will get the chance to try out some of the technologies involved themselves. This session is recommended for people who are interested in the actual processes involved in 3D printing.

Participants and interested people may pose questions to our speakers through Twitter, using the hashtag #3DprintADL.

ANAT is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council its arts funding and advisory body, by the South Australian Government through Arts SA and the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments.